New Bedford Area Residents Invited To Comment On Proposed New Horace Mann Charter School

Malden - New Bedford-area residents are invited to comment on the application for a new charter school which may open in New Bedford in September 2001.

Interested individuals can submit written comments on the application for the-- New Bedford -- Global Learning Charter School. Written comment must be received by January 28.

Additionally, a public hearing will be held to allow for general public comment. The public hearing for the New Bedford Global Learning Charter School will be held on Monday, January 10, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the New Bedford Public Library, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 613 Pleasant Street, New Bedford.

The first charter schools have been in operation since 1995. By law, each charter is good for a period of five years. To remain open for an additional five years, each charter school must apply for renewal in its third, fourth or fifth year of operation.

There are two different types of charter schools, the Horace Mann charter school and the Commonwealth charter school. Horace Mann charter schools are public schools that operate under a charter approved by the local school committee and by the local collective bargaining agent. Commonwealth charter schools are independent public schools given the freedom to organize their activities around a core mission, curriculum or teaching method, and they set their own budgets as well as manage their own staff. Horace Mann charter schools operate under a charter approved by the local school committee and by the local collective bargaining agent.

Written comments should be addressed to: David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education, Department of Education, One Ashburton Place, Room 1403, Boston, Massachusetts 02108.

Requests for applications for renewal and any questions about the charter renewal process can be directed to the Department of Education, Charter School Office, at the above address or by telephone at (617) 727-0075.